Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Wednesday described Hezbollah as the sole remaining obstacle to “peace” and normalization with Lebanon, calling on the Lebanese Government to cooperate in disarming the Lebanese resistance group.
In remarks cited by Israeli media, Gideon Sa’ar said the Zionist entity “has no serious disagreements” with Lebanon.
“Israel doesn’t have any serious disagreements with Lebanon. There are a few minor border disputes, which can be solved. The obstacle to peace and normalization between the countries is one: Hezbollah.”
He described the Lebanese government’s move to hold direct negotiations with the Israeli enemy as a “historic decision.”
“Unfortunately, Lebanon is a failed state. A state that is de facto under Iranian occupation through Hezbollah. But this also leads to a conclusion: Hezbollah is a common enemy of Israel and Lebanon,” said Sa’ar.
“Just as it threatens Israel’s security, it harms Lebanon’s sovereignty and threatens its future.”
Hezbollah has repeatedly warned against holding direct talks with the Israeli enemy, with the group’s parliamentary bloc saying last week that the authorities in Lebanon endangered the nation and its integrity by such move.
Hezbollah Parliamentary Bloc Warns Lebanese Authority against Dangers of Direct Talks with Israeli Enemy pic.twitter.com/Okjxx8XpAb
— Al-Manar English (@manarenglish) April 17, 2026
Source: Israeli media (translated and edited by Al-Manar English Website)